Pennsylvania Daycare License: DHS Bureau of Certification Services Guide (2025)
Everything you need to get licensed through the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services — background clearances, application portal, inspection process, and timelines under 55 Pa. Code.
Who Licenses Daycares in Pennsylvania?
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS), through its Bureau of Certification Services, licenses all regulated child care programs in the Commonwealth. DHS operates six regional offices that oversee pre-licensure inspections and ongoing compliance monitoring. The applicable regulations are found in 55 Pa. Code: Chapter 3270 (Child Care Centers), Chapter 3280 (Group Child Care Homes), and Chapter 3290 (Family Child Care Homes).
DHS also administers the Child Care Works (CCW) subsidy program and the Keystone STARS quality rating system, meaning the same department handles licensing, subsidy, and quality — which can streamline your interactions once you are established.
Pennsylvania Child Care License Types
Child Care Center
55 Pa. Code Chapter 3270
7 or more children unrelated to the operator. Requires dedicated facility space, director qualifications, staff-to-child ratios, and fire safety certificate of occupancy.
Group Child Care Home
55 Pa. Code Chapter 3280
4 to 6 unrelated children in the provider's own home. Requires a second caregiver when more than 4 children are present under age 6. Provider's own children under age 13 count toward capacity.
Family Child Care Home
55 Pa. Code Chapter 3290
1 to 3 unrelated children in the provider's home. This is Pennsylvania's smallest licensed category. Provider's own children under 13 count if present during care hours.
Required Background Clearances
Pennsylvania law (Child Protective Services Law, 23 Pa.C.S. § 6344) requires three separate clearances for every owner, operator, director, and employee — and for any adult household member in a home-based setting. All must be renewed every 60 months (5 years).
PA State Police Criminal History Record Check (PATCH)
Cost: ~$22
Online submission; results usually available within minutes to 3 business days.
https://epatch.state.pa.usFBI Criminal History Record Check (Cogent Fingerprinting)
Cost: ~$23.85
Requires in-person fingerprinting at a Cogent location. Schedule an appointment online. Results in 2–5 business days.
https://www.pa.cogentid.comPA Child Abuse History Clearance (PACHCA / ChildLine)
Cost: ~$13 (paid volunteers/employees); Free (qualifying volunteers)
Submit through the CWIS portal. Results in 3–10 business days. References the statewide ChildLine & Abuse Registry.
https://www.compass.state.pa.us/cwisStep-by-Step Licensing Process
Determine Your License Type
Decide whether you will open a Child Care Center (7+ children), Group Child Care Home (4–6), or Family Child Care Home (1–3 unrelated children) based on your intended capacity and physical setting.
Complete All Three Background Clearances
Every owner, operator, and any adult in the household (for home-based) must submit PATCH, FBI Cogent fingerprints, and PACHCA before the application is submitted. Clearances must be dated within 1 year of the application.
Submit Your Application via PA e2Go
Create an account at the PA Enterprise-to-Go (e2Go) portal (www.compass.state.pa.us) and complete the DHS-741 application form online. Upload clearances, facility plans (for centers), and proof of required training hours.
Pre-Licensure Inspection
Your regional DHS office schedules a pre-licensure inspection. The inspector reviews your physical space, staff files, policies, emergency plans, and first aid/CPR certificates. Centers must also have a certificate of occupancy from the local building/fire authority.
Resolve Any Deficiencies
If citations are issued, submit a Plan of Correction (POC) within the timeframe specified. Once DHS accepts your POC and verifies corrections, they issue your provisional license.
Receive Provisional License
A provisional license is valid for 6 months for new programs. After a satisfactory follow-up visit, DHS upgrades you to a regular license, typically valid for 2 years. Centers may receive 1-year licenses until they demonstrate consistent compliance.
Director & Staff Training Requirements
Director (Child Care Center)
Must have at minimum an associate degree in early childhood education (or related field) AND 3 years of direct childcare experience, OR a Pennsylvania Director Credential (PDC). Pre-service training in regulations is required before opening.
Lead Teacher
High school diploma or GED minimum. Pre-service orientation before working alone with children (3–6 hours for home-based, more for centers). 12 hours of annual in-service training required.
First Aid & CPR
At least one staff member with current pediatric first aid and CPR certification must be present whenever children are in care. Certifications must be renewed per issuing organization standards (typically every 2 years for CPR).
Annual In-Service
All staff (centers): 12 hours per year covering child development, health/safety, and program administration. Group/Family Child Care Home providers: 6 hours per year. Topics can be fulfilled through PA Keys learning registry courses.
Get the Pennsylvania Licensing Checklist
Download our free step-by-step checklist covering all three clearances, the e2Go application, and inspection prep — formatted for PA DHS requirements.
Estimated Startup Costs
| Item | Estimated Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PA State Police (PATCH) | ~$22/person | Per person; online |
| FBI Cogent Fingerprinting | ~$23.85/person | Per person; in-person |
| PA Child Abuse History (PACHCA) | ~$13/person (paid staff) | Free for qualifying volunteers |
| DHS License Application Fee | $0 | No fee for any license type |
| Pediatric First Aid/CPR | ~$40–$80/person | Required per 55 Pa. Code |
| Pre-service Training | Varies ($0–$200) | PA Keys courses often free |
| Physical Space / Zoning | Varies | Local municipality approval needed |
Common Compliance Issues
Expired clearances: All three must be renewed every 60 months. DHS checks during unannounced inspections — expired clearances are an immediate citation.
Capacity violations: Caring for more children than your licensed capacity (even temporarily) can trigger license suspension.
Incomplete staff files: Each employee file must include all three clearances, proof of annual training, and health assessment. Missing documents = citations.
Home-based providers: Your own children under age 13 who are present during care hours count toward the licensed capacity under Group and Family Child Care Home regulations.
Director qualifications: Centers that hire directors who do not meet the education/experience requirements in 55 Pa. Code § 3270.35 face citations that can delay license renewal.
Official Pennsylvania Licensing Resources
Related Pennsylvania Provider Guides
Complete Pennsylvania Licensing Toolkit
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This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or regulatory advice. Pennsylvania child care regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements directly with the PA Department of Human Services Bureau of Certification Services before making business decisions. CloverMap is not affiliated with DHS or any Pennsylvania state agency.